2021 Mercedes C 300d, One Giant Leap
The Germans have this kind of shuffle going on. Between Audi, BMW, and Mercedes each has their space in time to let their latest model shine. This time it’s the C-Class who gets to shine but it might steal the attention away from others for quite some time.
There’s a good reason for that but we’ll get to that later. The fifth generation C-Class receives the latest Mercedes-Benz design language meaning a massive overhaul both inside and outside.
The outside follows the teardrop shape in the head- and taillights as seen in the latest CLA and E-Class. The AMG-Line grille also has this very nice diamond star layout which looks very good.
Plus, due to the long wheelbase and short overhangs, the C-Class has this elegant well put together design which still looks sporty and aggressive thanks to the hood bulges.
Revolutionary Interior
When the S-Class was revealed, we didn’t think the C-Class would be the first to follow into the footsteps of this luxury icon. But in fact, it’s the first one that has. Gone is the long 1-piece screen and it’s been replaced with a new single screen cluster up front alongside a massive floating tablet in the middle.
Some will call it "Tesla-like” but that’s an insult really. The screen is of extremely high resolution and it doesn’t put all the car features into a single screen with different menu’s to go through. Also because of the way it is mounted on the center console, it’s a lot more accessible to operate every single corner of the screen.
On the bottom there’s a bar with quick physical shortcuts to certain settings and even a fingerprint sensor to start your personal profile with a friendly greeting.
Just like the rest of the interior, the MBUX is heavily borrowed from the S-Class which is no punishment by all means. The system is cleverer and more understanding than ever seen in this segment. Both in the way you interact as well as how it’ll assist you to keep your eyes on the road.
The steering wheel is the same introduced on the E-Class and it’s my first hands on experience with this one. I’ve been disliking touch-based steering wheels, the Golf GTE’s being one of those. But in the C-Class it works quite well and is intuitive to use. One thing I do wish it would’ve been physical is the volume control. I’m quickly grabbing to the volume control on the center console instead.
The general feel and thickness of the steering wheel is just right.
In general, materials are top notch once again and prove why these cars are premium vehicles.
Munching Away The Kilometers
The C-Class has always been a workhorse and this C 300d is no different. It does day to day travels with ease. Both long distance or in town the C-Class shines. On the highway the car has a certain weighted and planted feel that you’ll find in the segment above the C. And in smaller cities it’s no giant either, thanks to the optional rear-wheel-steering which turns up to 2.5°. Sharp 90° corners or U-turns are no problem this way.
Just like the MBUX is a leap forward, so are the driving aids. The active cruise control is nearing levels of full autonomy and it doesn’t bring in stress as it feels more and more human like. It’ll slow down for corners or roundabouts and for once the navigation actually is very up to date. On the highway the car will switch lanes automatically for you as well. Lots of things we’ve already seen in other Mercedes cars but always in the more expensive cars. To see this technology so well evolved and making appearances in the C-Class is once again a big step-up in the segment.
The 2.0L diesel engine in the C 300d produces a healthy 265 hp with 20 extra horsepower from the 48V hybrid system. It’s properly fast with plenty of torque to do the job (and more) each and every day. Yet it’s still hyper efficient with a tested consumption averaging 6.0 L/100 km on half a tank and one highway run it even managed to average 5.0 L/100 km. Mighty impressive numbers for a car of this size.
The only thing it’s lacking a bit in is the steering feel. There's not enough weight in the rack that gives enough feedback when the car gets pushed.
Upper Class?
Mercedes really outdid themselves with the latest C-Class, so much so that you’re asking yourself if it even still belongs in this segment any longer. However, that does come of course at a certain price. Whilst the C-Class is very well equipped, it does put its base price higher up than the competition. Starting from 48.600 € currently, but cheaper power units coming in later. It’s 4.000-5.000 € more expensive than its closest rivals. But as I’ve said, the C-Class offers a higher trim level from start.
The C 300d we tested came in at a hefty 75.000€ but you’ll be struggling to find something this luxurious in this price range.
With the new C-Class, the ladies & gents from München and Ingolstadt have gotten a big task to catch up.
